Is Amarillo or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Amarillo is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,346 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 17% lower. Amarillo has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Amarillo has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 13.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Amarillo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Amarillo, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Amarillo | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,346.2 | 4,012.2 | -666.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 690.5 | 539.9 | +150.7 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 17.5 | -9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 73.9 | 58.8 | +15.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 86.7 | 335.3 | -248.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 521.6 | 128.3 | +393.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,655.7 | 3,472.4 | -816.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 377.8 | 294.8 | +83.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,017.4 | 2,318.8 | -301.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 260.5 | 858.9 | -598.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amarillo or Chicago safer?
Amarillo is safer with a total crime rate of 3,346 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Amarillo has a violent crime rate of 690.5 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Amarillo, TX
Amarillo, a Panhandle city, sits at the crossroads of I-40 and I-27. Home to the Cadillac Ranch, its economy has historically relied on cattle and oil. The population is approximately 200,000. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 203,039, Amarillo has a total crime rate of 3,346.2 per 100,000 residents.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.